Chapter 45: Silver Lining

*Rosie Fay-Donovan*

Archie and I spent the day in bed watching Disney movies and old cartoons. I needed something to distract me after learning about everything my family had faced.

For some reason, I felt numb. I wanted to cry—I felt like crying—but it seemed like my tears had dried completely. My head was heavy with so much new information, and I eventually fell asleep in Archie’s arms.

I was happy to see he was still there when I woke up. I wasn’t ashamed to say I didn’t want to feel lonely. I normally wanted people to see me as this strong woman who could handle anything. Archie especially. But today, I didn’t feel strong. I didn’t feel like I could wear the steel armor I used daily.

I just wanted to feel cared for and protected. My inner child was grieving what I never had the chance to do.

“Do you think I should do some therapy?” I asked Archie out of a sudden when the credits of the third movie were scrolling up on the TV screen.